Dover 1st XV (20) v (16) Basingstoke 1st XV
Played 31st January 2009
The positives from last week’s game at Dorking were taken as Dover beat league leaders Basingstoke at Crabble and halted their march at the top of the table. A number of positional changes were made resulting in an improved and impressive display against an opponent who have played at National League level in recent years.
Dover had the benefit of the slope in the first half and in perfect playing conditions they dominated territory for much of the game. Stoke kicked an early penalty to take the lead but they had little opportunity thereafter, as the hosts began pressurise the visitors. 
The first try came on 24 minutes and quick tap by Ben Murray was fed on the blind to Buster Collins and he popped to winger Ricky Mackintosh who ran 35 metres to touch down. 
The Dover forwards were battling well against a heavy Stoke outfit and the lineout ball was once again of quality. Dover are already reaping the rewards of the recent signing of hooker Jack Tomlinson, whose presence and power is proving beneficial to the squad. Just before the half hour Jamie Phillips made a thunderous break down the left flank deep into the Stoke half. From the resulting ruck the ball was spread across the park with Mackintosh again powering down his flank. Desperate defence from the visitors halted the move but full back Jamie Townley was in support and he managed to touch down. Unfortunately a penalty and two conversions were missed as the score line could have looked a lot healthier. Further pressure was applied but no additional points were added, which made for an interesting second half.
The interval was in fact quite humorous for the home side with one of the Stoke coaches, dressed something like a pirate, ranting and raving at his players. Everyone present could hear his expletives and for some reason his dislike of Crabble. At least access is free and the food excellent if nothing else. At one point one of our more concerned spectators considered a request for the St John’s Ambulance to attend as his temperature began to boil over. What was important for Dover is that once again they were competing and winning against a side who consider themselves the best team in the league.
The second half started in Stoke’s favour with a number of errors from Dover and within minutes they had scored a try following some flimsy defence in midfield. Dover’s mettle was to be tested and for a period of 15 to 20 minutes Stoke looked like they might well take the game. Credit must be given to Dover as they fought throughout and this was a huge team performance with some excellent discipline.
Two scrums were taken against the head by Dover to relieve the pressure but it was proving difficult at this time. Stoke’s backs operated a blitz defence with the offside game played to its full extent although this was eventually picked up late on in the game. This tactic stopped the quicker Dover backs being able to operate wide to their full potential. Stoke took the lead from a penalty that resulted from a ‘suicidal’ kick from a Dover player and further pain was inflicted from another late Christmas present when Dover handed Stoke the simplest of tries.
Now 6 points behind and time against them a recovery act was needed for Dover. The pressure applied to the Stoke half in the closing minutes was immense and the penalty count against the visitors fast growing. Martyn Beaumont slotted a penalty with 4 minutes of the clock remaining and Dover were to profit from their efforts when Mackintosh, with an injection of power, literally smashed his way through the visitors backline to touch down with the extras added. This was a well deserved win and the confidence should continue to grow as a result.
Hopefully the Stoke supporter, who asked where Dover was at the last meeting, was at the game yesterday. I trust he now knows!
With three of the top four teams beaten Dover now move to 7th in the league. Dover face Chobham next week at Crabble in another tough test.
Team: Lucas (Moore), Tomlinson, Stanley, Sluman (Surendorff), Robinson, Collins, Foster, Tonks D, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Sedgwick (Charge), Mackintosh, Phillips, Townley.
Photos By Ian Shilson
Report by: Richard Collins
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